Several events in Wilmington honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend
Community Activist Evelyn Adger gives details about some of the events planned leading up to Monday's MLK Parade
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — From a hip-hop worship service, to a family-fun-day bounce house, to a downtown parade, there is something for everyone to enjoy this MLK holiday weekend in Wilmington, NC.
Evelyn Adger, Community activist and member of the SENC Martin Luther King Committee, stopped by WWAY’s Good Morning Carolina to run down some of the biggest events with co-host Donna Gregory.
Friday night, Jan. 12, the 12th annual MLK Banquet will get underway in downtown Wilmington.
“It’s at the Hotel Ballast and starts at 6:30,” Adger said, “and tickets are $75 and you can pay at the door if you’d like to come.”
“The theme is: ‘Where Do We Go From Here’, and our guest speaker is none other than our Chief Diversity Officer with New Hanover County, Linda R. Thompson,” she added.
The Family Fun Day at the MLK Center in Wilmington starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m.
“Typically, the Fun Day is hosted by the City of Wilmington,” Adger explained.
“[This year] We have GE and several other organizations coming out, the police department, sheriff’s department (sic), and it’s usually a great full day of events for children and adults.”
The Fun Day is free of charge, and will include games, arts and crafts, refreshments and bounce houses, among other activities.
Later Saturday, a hip hop worship service is scheduled at 7 p.m. at what used to be “The Academy” off of 6th St. in Wilmington, NC.
“That’s kind of new to our program: hip hop, and last year was the year of hip hop…”, Adger mused.
The MLK parade begins at 11 a.m. Monday at 3rd St. and Hanover and heads south, turning on Princess St. and ending on S. 4th St. near Chestnut.
“You have to get there early,” she laughed, “because some of the streets will be closed off.”
The City of Wilmington says 3rd St. will be closed to traffic between Harnett and Market Streets starting at 7 a.m.
Adger recommends avoiding city parking garages near the parade route, as drivers could get blocked in by performers in the parade.
As for entertainment during the parade, Adger says there are several newcomers this year.
“We have a lot of local organizations [participating in the parade],” Adger revealed, “and some new cities’ and counties’ bands.”
For Adger, this year’s parade is especially sweet– and it’s not just because she’s been heavily involved in planning it.
“For me it’s going to be an exciting time. I never get to see the parade — I usually am the behind-the-scenes person, so — I’m excited for it,” she smiled.
For the latest schedule of events from our media partner, The Wilmington Star News, visit here.
